Simple homemade Raman spectrometer / microscope

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the construction of a homemade Raman spectrometer that also functions as a microscope. Participants explore the design, components, and initial testing of the setup, including the use of a 532nm laser and various optical elements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their design for a Raman spectrometer, detailing the components used, including a 532nm laser, microscope objective, diffraction grating, and confocal lens pinhole setup.
  • Another participant shares their experience with testing the setup using a plastic bottle, noting the broad response from green to red and a weak red signal alongside green Rayleigh scattering.
  • There is mention of the camera detecting what appears to be unwanted infrared light, which shows up as purple in the images, raising questions about the source of this signal.
  • A suggestion is made to explore Photonics Spectra for sourcing additional parts for the project.
  • A correction is provided regarding the link to the green dichroic filter, indicating a need for accurate sourcing of components.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on the effectiveness of the design or the source of the unwanted infrared light detected by the camera. Multiple viewpoints and experiences are shared without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the performance of specific components and the implications of the detected signals. There are references to potential issues with the optical setup and the need for further testing.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in DIY optical instruments, Raman spectroscopy, or those looking to build similar experimental setups may find this discussion relevant.

carmatic
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TL;DR
Please help me design and find the right parts for my Raman microscope.
SmartSelect_20201123-180923_WPS Office.jpg

Hello everyone, I am attempting to make a Raman spectrometer which can double as a microscope. It uses a 532nm laser for excitation, an infinity-corrected microscope objective to collimate the light, a 200 lines/mm diffraction grating, and a confocal lens pinhole setup. A 5 megapixel camera , with the lens focused at infinity for receiving collimated light, is at 90 degrees relative to the direction at which the light hits the diffraction grating.
The diffraction grating splits the wavelengths below 532nm towards the camera when the face normal is around 80 degrees relative to the incoming light, and reflects a full microscopic image when rotated to 45 degrees.

The focal point from the laser light appears as a bright dot in the middle of the microscopic image.
The confocal lens pinhole setup, in the inset, is used to isolate the light from this bright dot to be diffracted and separated into the individual wavelengths. It can be moved aside to allow the full image from the microscope objective to pass when a microscope image is desired.

Can someone verify that this is a correct design and the parts are okay?
Thanks in advance

Here are the numbered parts:
1. Arducam Raspberry Pi 5mp camera https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012ETE75I/?tag=pfamazon01-20

2. 1200 Grooves, 12.7mm Square, 1000nm Ruled Diffraction Grating https://www.edmundoptics.com/p/1200-grooves-127mm-square-1000nm-ruled-diffraction-grating/5257/

3. 12.5mm Diameter 45°, Green Dichroic Filter https://www.edmundoptics.com/p/1200-grooves-127mm-square-1000nm-ruled-diffraction-grating/5257/

4. 12.7mm Dia. x 19.1mm FL, VIS 0° Coated, Achromatic Lens https://www.edmundoptics.com/p/127mm-dia-x-191mm-fl-vis-0deg-coated-achromatic-lens/10223/

5. 532nm, 12.5mm Diameter, OD 4.0 Notch Filter https://www.edmundoptics.com/p/532nm-125mm-diameter-od-4-notch-filter/21647/

6. Olympus PLN 4X Objective https://www.edmundoptics.com/p/olympus-pln-4x-objective/29221/

Laser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018Z7ZLYY/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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I have access to a laser cutter and I have also built a provisional enclosure for the parts. I already own most of the parts except the confocal pinhole setup. I tried it out with a plastic bottle; The main plastic bottle body gives a broad response from green to red, while the bottle cap has a weak red signal in addition to the green Rayleigh scattering.

The camera seems to be picking up some invisible radiation which shows up as purple in the images, I would assume that it is unwanted infrared light from the laser?
 
carmatic said:
Summary:: ... and find the right parts
Photonics Spectra may be a good place to find parts.
Here's their web site: https://www.photonics.com/; Check out their buyers guide.
 

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